Lanarkshire consumers have been urged to be aware of new cost-of-living scams in as the national ScamWatch Fortnight gets underway.
This year’s "Read Between the Li(n)es" initiative highlights the importance of remaining vigilant - with fraudsters using emails, texts and social media to prey on people of all ages.
Advice Direct Scotland, which runs the national consumer advice service on behalf of the Scottish Government, continues to see new tactics deployed as criminals try to manipulate struggling households.
With energy bills set to soar, reported scams include fake discounts on prepayment meters and bogus offers of energy or HMRC rebates, which leave potential victims even more disadvantaged.
Lanarkshire residents are also being warned about investment scams such as cryptocurrency deals, often featuring sham celebrity or expert endorsements, circulated on social media.
Alongside this are bank telephone scams and romance frauds, designed to steal money, and traditional doorstep scams by bogus callers posing as tradespeople.
The Scottish ScamWatch Fortnight, which runs on social media platforms until August 28, will look at scam methods and offer free advice on the ways in which consumers can reduce exposure to scammers.
Colin Mathieson from Advice Direct Scotland told Lanarkshire Live : "With scammers using a mixture of methods to target Scots consumers, it has never been more important for us to be aware of how to avoid them.
“We have seen scammers adapt their tactics in line with major world events, including the COVID pandemic and crisis in Ukraine.
“New scams including fake energy rebates are being recorded as scammers try to exploit the challenging circumstances facing many families across Scotland.
“Throughout the campaign, we are highlighting the importance of remaining vigilant and pausing before interacting with emails, text messages or social media adverts.
“The most effective way to stop scammers in their tracks is to report a scam here when you see one.
“It’s important to remember there is no shame in being scammed, and consumers who are concerned or need help should contact one of our specialist consumer advisers for free, impartial and practical advice.”
Anyone who wants to report a scam should fill in the ScamWatch Quick Reporting Tool online, which collects intelligence to share with various authorities.
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